Brief Answer:
Congestive cardiac failure

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question,

The current symptoms that you describe are consistent with a heart problem such as congestive cardiac failure. This causes fluid to accumulate in the body and it can be seen in the legs mostly in the feet and ankles as this is the most dependant part of the leg. The shortness of breath is due to fluid build up on the lung.

Congestive cardiac failure is caused by the heart not being able to pump as well as it should be. This causes fluid accumulation. This condition is diagnosed on an physical examination and an echocardiogram of the heart. It is treated by diuretic medication which makes you pee more to get rid of the extra fluid. There are other drugs that can be given to help the heart beat more efficiently.

I hope this answers your question. I would make an appointment to see your family Dr fairly urgently.

Best wishes

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Brief Answer:
Other reasons for symptoms discussed

Detailed Answer:
hi,

thanks for your follow up question.

that is very reassuring unless she has had a further cardiac problem such as a heart attack since leaving the hospital. these can sometimes be silent in the elderly.

there are other causes of fluid retention. this can happen in kidney disease also and so it would be worth having her renal function rechecked particularly if she has started on new medication.

immobility can cause ankle swelling also particularly after a stroke.

it is possible that your mothers symptoms of breathlessness and ankle swelling are unrelated and so you should seek a further medical opinion including physical examination for her. she could for instance have a chest infection responsible for her breathing problems particularly if the stroke affected her speech and ability to swallow.

the ankle swelling could be improved with elevation of her feet above her hip and graduated compression stockings above the knee.

I hope this answers your question.

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